Chrysler Repair: 1999 jxi sebring 2.5L #1 misfire, valve v6 engine, rotor shaft

Question
Hello,

I have a 1999 Chrysler Sebring JXI Convertible 2.5L 24 valve V6 engine (w/ 92,000 miles) that has a misfire on cylinder #1, code readout is P0301.
So thinking it's time for a tune-up, replaced the following:
Spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap & rotor & the air filter. Also checked for vacuum leaks & air leaks.
After doing all this, I'm still getting the code P0301 (misfire cylinder #1).

So did a simple test by checking for spark on #1 spark plug & found there is absolutely no spark to #1.
Would this be caused by a bad distributor coil pack or simply the distributor itself, or something else?

Any information is greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Steve,
I trust that you either pulled the new cap off the #1 plug, inserted an old plug, grounded its threaded shell on the block and cranked and saw no spark OR you substituted an old wire for the #1 wire at the distributor cap and did the same grounded spark plug shell to block test, correct? If either or both of those failed to produce spark, then other than the possibility that the wire was not firmly pushed into the #1 post of the cap I would have to conclude that the spark is not being fed to the #1 post by the rotor. But just in case, why not verify that you are getting spark by whatever means you did it, but this time try a different cylinder. If that sparks then you have to conclude there is something the matter with #1 high tension supply.
I doubt that it is the coil because why would it "disfavor" the #1 plug wire like that? About all that is left is the mechanics of the distributor itself. For example if there was too much side to side motion in the rotor shaft that might cause one of the cylinder supply chain interconnections to flake out.
The shop manual that covers the 2.0, 2.4, qnd 2.5L engines runs through the following steps for a misfire: make sure ignition cables are installed and routed properly (could this be an issue?). Then use an ignition analyzer scope to analyze the secondary ignition patterns. They do speak of replacing the coil, but again I can't understand why of only cyl #1? Spray ignition wires with water and watch scope for changes. Replace wires that show change. Check compression of cylinders to verify at least 100 psi +/- 25%. Then there is an injector kill test to find a weak cylinder. And a spark advance test. Observe vacuum gauge for fluctuation test. And finally a valve train test.
But you still will not get rid of a misfire until you get spark on the #1 plug! So look again at the spark plug test and the side play on the rotor shaft (no spec is given but on other similar distributors it is supposed to be no more than 0.1 mm if you have access to a dial indicator. End play can be 0.03 to 0.75 mm.)
That is the best I can come up with. Let me know if you make some progress.
Roland